THE Covid-19 Ministerial Quartet had its last meeting today as it had reached its goal of reopening the country safely, its chairman Hishammudin Hussein said. 

The quartet was set up nine months ago to help the country navigate reopening the economy and the border which were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Overall, since the formation of the Covid-19 Ministerial Quartet, the country is now in transition to endemicity. 

“Out of 181 (items on the) standard operating procedure (SOP), which were in place in March 2020, only one (item) and nine guidelines are left, all sectors have reopened, all festivities are allowed, masks are no longer mandatory outdoors and even the check-in function on MySejahtera has been removed,” Hishammudin said in a statement highlighting the successes of the quartet. 

“This has allowed the people to return to almost normal life.”

Hishammudin, who is also defence minister, said moving forward, the government does not intend to implement large-scale lockdowns.

“Therefore, the one SOP (item) and nine guidelines must be implemented accordingly.

“Stay disciplined, look after your personal hygiene and continue wearing masks indoors to keep yourself and your families safe,” he said.

Hishammudin also thanked all relevant ministries, agencies and armed forces who played a part in implementing the SOP recommended by the quartet. – May 18, 2022.